COMBATIVE midfielder Kai Whitmore believes Newport County AFC’s new style can help him step up to the Football League.

The 23-year-old will be a member of the Exiles squad that takes to the pitch in Hereford tomorrow afternoon in their final pre-season friendly.

The aim for those that enjoy action at Edgar Street is to secure a spot in the matchday squad for the League Two opener at Cheltenham seven days later.

Whitmore has been a firm fixture so far this summer since signing from Haverfordwest and is likely to at least be on the bench at Whaddon Road when hunting a Football League debut.

The midfielder is loving life as a pro in Newport and challenging himself with the pass-heavy style under new head coach Nelson Jardim.

“It’s obvious from the pre-season games so far that he wants us to play more possession-based football which I think will suit my playing style nicely,” said Whitmore.

“At the end of the day we’re not going to be playing the most fluid passing play over night because it’s the start of a learning process and it will take me and the rest of the lads time to adapt to it, but I’m very excited to see what the end of this process will look like.

“With the style of play he’s trying to implement here, I’m happy to play wherever. Whether that’s in a defensive or attaching midfield role.

“I like to think I can play anywhere across the centre of midfield. I pride my myself on working hard and want to try and help the team be as successful as possible.”

TEST: Kai Whitmore has earned a Football League chance with Newport CountyTEST: Kai Whitmore has earned a Football League chance with Newport County (Image: Darren Griffiths/Huw Evans Agency)

County have had a shift of recruitment policy under new owner Huw Jenkins with an emphasis on up-and-coming talent, all arriving on two-year contracts.

Of the 11 signings, only striker Courtney Baker-Richardson and left-back Anthony Glennon can be considered established EFL campaigners.

It’s a new-look squad but Whitmore says County are already a tight-knit bunch.

“It’s been really easy settling in at the club because right from the first training session the players and staff have been really welcoming,” he said.

“Because they have accepted me straight away, it gave me the freedom to focus on my game which has obviously shown these past few games.

"I think Nelson has helped me understand how all of my teammates like to play through the large amount of rotation every game.

“As much as it can be difficult playing with a new team every game, it has allowed me to gel with almost everyone.”